Jester is a Harris’s Hawk, a species native to the Americas. He’s found his way to the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre after being donated to it by a falconer. Being imprinted on humans and not being native to South Africa, he can never be released into the wild. Jester is an amazingly agile flier and very intelligent – traits that make his species formidable hunters in the wild.
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk (photo by Joubert) – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
Jester the Harris Hawk – not a species indigenous to South Africa
As a registered NGO receiving no government support, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre relies heavily on donors, sponsors and the visiting public to fund their very important work. Their tiny staff compliment is responsible for the rehabilitation of between 80 and 200 birds of prey every year, all of them injured by or negatively impacted in another way by humans, and then releasing them back into the wild when they’ve recovered sufficiently. If you can’t visit them in person, please visit their website and, if you are able to, assist them in their efforts by making a donation (monetary or in kind).
What a handsome bird and the photos of him airborne are fantastic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hulle is so pragtig Dries!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ek stem saam, Aletta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another beauty. It must be amazing to fly one of these (or a falcon or whatever) but seeing them in the wild (or even here) is such a thrill.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen their amazing hunting skills and co-operative techniques on one or two wildlife documentaries, Janet, and would love to see it for myself in the wild. Do they occur in Arizona?
LikeLike
I looked them up and they do occur in Arizona. I haven’t seen many hawks yet, but hopefully I will.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m waiting with great anticipation for those first pictures!
LikeLike
Not sure when that might be ,but hopefully soon. Who knows? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am enjoying your exploration of these wonderful raptors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Anne. I thought they each have such unique attributes and stories that dumping it all together in a single post would not be right.
LikeLike
Pragtige versameling aksie fotos. Sjoe hy lyk beslis amper koninklik so in die lug.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baie dankie, Ineke. Die roofvoels laat vlieg so maklik lyk.
LikeLike
Ek vermoed dit is maklik vir hulle omdat hul weet hoe en gebou is om so te sweef en te swenk.
LikeLike
What a good looking bird. They are trained to hunt and you can see the way he maneuver in flight, showing all the tricks to get its prey. Good shots, D. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, H.J. I would love to see a group of wild Harris Hawk going through their paces!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Top photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tracy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the close up of Jester’s face. The Harris hawk at the High Desert Museum is one of the trainer’s favorites. Lots of personality! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The way Jester manoeuvers in the air and around obstacles in a flash is a sight to behold! Seeing them in the wild must be thrilling.
LikeLiked by 1 person